Comeau had a standout rookie season in the pros, amassing 12-31-43 in 61 games with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers, the Islanders' American Hockey League affiliate. His assist total placed him 15th in the league among rookies, and his point total was tied for 20th. Comeau led all Bridgeport rookies in goals, assists and points, and was second on the team with his 31 assists.

The Saskatchewan native had a red-hot start with the Sound Tigers. He recorded four assists in his regular-season debut on Oct. 8 versus the Binghamton Senators and followed that performance up with a team record five-point (2g,3a) effort on Oct. 13 against the Hartford Wolf Pack.

In his first season with Sound Tigers, Comeau earned the First Star of the Game three times as well as the Second and Third Star two times each.

Comeau also saw some time with the Islanders in 2006-07, filling in for the injured Trent Hunter. In three games with the Islanders, Comeau averaged just under 9:30 per game and recorded one shot.

He was rewarded in September for a strong camp by debuting with the Islanders in a couple of exhibition games while up in Canada against the Boston Bruins.

What They're Saying...

Bridgeport coach Jack Capuano: "Blake is a power forward and a good body checker. He plays a physical style, contributed offensively and did everything we asked of him this season. Blake is a high-character person. He's a great team guy and leader who loves to come to the rink every day. Blake competed hard all the time and was a pleasure to be around. Even while he was injured during the second half of the season, he continued to have a positive influence in the locker room."

Islanders head coach Ted Nolan: "He does all the little things intelligently and has got good composure for a young kid," said Nolan. "Blake has won championships in the past, so he knows what it's like to play on winning teams. He is going to have a great future in this organization, but still has a little growing to do."

Before He Was an Islander

During his junior days, while with the Kelowna Rockets of the WHL, Comeau won the Memorial Cup during the 2003-04 season as champion of the Canadian Hockey League. In four full seasons with the Rockets, Comeau went 60-117-177 in 250 games.

Comeau made his professional ice hockey debut with the Sound Tigers during the 2006 Calder Cup Playoffs. He played in all seven games of the Sound Tigers' first-round loss to the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, totaling three assists.

What's Next?

At 21 years old, Comeau will report to his third Islanders prospect camp over the summer in hopes of making the Islanders squad following training camp in September.

"Two things he needs to improve upon are continue to move his feet, and get rid of the puck a little quicker," said Capuano. "Blake is working hard to get to the next level."

Newyorkislanders.com PROJECTion

Blake Comeau is going to play in the National Hockey League for a long time; it's just a matter of when his NHL career begins. It's obvious the team protected his development this season by not recalling him for just a one-game shot. If you think about it, that's speaks volumes for what Garth Snow, Ted Nolan and development director Bryan Trottier think of Comeau.

Expect Comeau to battle for a job in camp and give Nolan even more to think about than he did last September. In the end, however, it's likely (and most beneficial to the player) that Comeau will play at least the majority of the first half of next season as a Sound Tiger. Be sure of this: when Comeau comes up for his first stretch of games, he'll be around a long time.